By Chris Sands, Staff Reporterhttp://gulf-news.com/images/shim.gif
Abu Dhabi: A parade of flowers travelled along Abu Dhabi's Corniche yesterday in honour of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak.
Seven floats representing each of the UAE's emirates and covered with more than 150,000 flowers from around the world were used in the Mother's Day celebration.

The parade began just after 5pm. Led by nine horses and with paragliders overhead, it went the length of the Corniche.
Shaikh Nayhan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education, also watched the event from his car.
A total of 120 types of flower from Ecuador, Colombia, the United States, France, Belgium and Kenya were on display. Each of the seven floats was 12 metres long and 3 metres wide. Other tributes were also paid to Shaikha Fatima yesterday. Schoolchildren and college students gathered along the Corniche starting at 9am to paint a giant picture for the Chairwoman of the General Women's Union. Organisers claimed the painting was the largest of its kind in the world. As part of the UAE celebrations of international Mother's Day, Shaikha Fatima will be honoured as the Mother of the Nation for her role in supporting and empowering women.
The event also comes as a recognition of the 30-year-old involvement of Shaikha Fatima in various charity and humanitarian causes around the world.

La la

04-23-2005 02:51 PM

UAE women hail move on share allocation

By Shireena Al Nowais. Abu Dhabi: UAE national women hailed the directive by Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women's Union, to allocate shares to them. The move would ensure their participation in the establishment of new companies while providing financial security for the future, they noted.
They were reacting to news that Shaikha Fatima has instructed the board of Al Qudra Holding company to allocate Dh50 million worth of its founding shares to UAE national women.

For the first time, a new company will allocate a portion of its initial offering of shares specifically to female UAE national investors.Engineer Hessa Al Haldy, a member of the Abu Dhabi Women's Business Council, said each woman was allocated Dh200,000 worth of shares."This is a kind gesture from Shaikha Fatima. It ensures fair competition for men and women. For the first time, women are participating in this sector as actively as men," said Hessa Al Haldy, a member of the Abu Dhabi Women's Business Council."We have many such IPOs being floated, and women can now participate on par with men in establishing these companies," she added.

Shamsa Hazeim, head of the Abu Dhabi Women's Association, said shares worth Dh2 million were distributed to the heads of the association's branches in Al Ain, Wathba and other areas."This is the first time that such a move has been made. It is like a gift. Usually women are not interested in buying and selling shares, and Shaikha Fatima is encouraging their participation in building a future."It also ensures women can function on equal terms with men in the stock markets," she added.

Al Qudra Holding Company is a private firm to be headquartered in Abu Dhabi.It plans to invest in promising UAE-based projects related to the industrial, financial, sports, communication and IT sectors, among others.It will also study opportunities to buy shares in new ventures, and in some cases purchase them outright.
Shaikha Fatima's directive flows from her long-standing belief in the need for female UAE nationals to fully participate in the development and modernisation of the country, said Salah Salem Bin Omair Al Shamsi, chairman of Al Qudra.It ensures UAE women get opportunities to invest capital and, equally important, to participate in corporate decision-making, he said.

The next stage in this progression will be the participation of women in the management of companies.Al Qudra's initial capital has been set at Dh500 million.Investors must subscribe to at least 500,000 shares to participate in the offering. The limit for subscriptions is 5 million shares. The face value of the shares is set at Dh1.
Shaikha Fatima's directive represents a milestone for the country, one that would not have been possible without her constant support for the nation's women, a source from the Abu Dhabi Women's Association said.

La la

04-23-2005 04:01 PM

Maternal and infant deaths drop in UAE
By Lana Mahdi 12 April 2005 AL AIN — Maternal mortality in the UAE has come down to one for every 100,000 child births and infant mortality to 4.5 for every 1,000 live births, Dr Saeed Abdullah, Director-General of Al Ain Preventive Medicine, has said.Addressing a function here to mark the World Health Day, organised by the Al Ain Preventive Medicine, he said that this would not have been possible without the interest shown by Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak in mother and child care programmes.Mohammed bin Rakkad Al Amry, a member of the National Consultative Council, and Dr Husam Sultan Al Ulma, the chief of the UAE University libraries, attended the function.Dr Abdullah said the World Health Report 2005 Make Every Mother and Child Count says that this year almost 11 million children under five years of age will die from causes that are largely preventable.Among them are four million babies who will not survive the first month of life. At the same time, more than half a million women will die in pregnancy, childbirth or soon after. “The report says that reducing this toll in line with the Millennium Development Goals depends largely on conferring on every mother and child right to access to heath care from pregnancy through childbirth, the neonatal period and childhood,” he said. A health and mother care exhibition was also organised as part of the programme.http://www.khaleejtimes.com/Displaya...e_april392.xml

desertrosemrk

04-26-2005 03:12 PM

King of Morocco visits Sheikha Fatima, offers condolence
Apr 26, 2005 - 10:33 -
King of Morocco visits Sheikha Fatima, offers condolence Abu Dhabi, 26 April, 05 (WAM) - King Mohammed VI of Morocco visited this evening Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to offer his condolence to her on the death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
King Mohammed said Sheikh Zayed's death was a great loss, not only to the UAE, but also to Morocco, Arab and Islamic nations.
"The late Sheikh Zayed was a symbol of wisdom and forward thinking. He was very keen on promoting solidarity among Arab b countries," he added.
"It is of consolation to us that the late Sheikh Zayed's path is being keenly followed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan." King Mohammed praised the strong fraternal ties between the UAE and Morocco, adding that his visit to the UAE and talks with Sheikh Khalifa and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, represent an opportunity to further bolster the relations.
Earlier in the day, Sheikha Fatima hosted a luncheon in honour of Princess Lala Fatima Al Zahra, aunt of the Moroccan monarch, who is accompanying him on his visit to the country.
The luncheon was attended by a number of Sheikhas.

Akilah

04-26-2005 10:45 PM

I was very surprised to learn that Fatima met with King Mohammed.

SalSabeel

04-26-2005 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akilah

I was very surprised to learn that Fatima met with King Mohammed.

Sheikha Fatma Used to Visit Moroco constantly with sheikh Zayed, King Mohammed used to play with her children ....they are very good freinds i mean both families....
so he is used to meet her since he was a kid and this didn't stop.... he treats her like a mother

Akilah

04-27-2005 03:55 PM

Good to hear that Fatima thinks King Mohammed to be another son. Given her unwillingness to greet and entertain the opposite sex (meaning males). I thought the public announcement of their meeting to be surprising and progressive.

La la

04-28-2005 11:28 AM

Questionnaire on 'Ideal Family' contest
By a staff reporter 28 April 2005 ABU DAHBI— Questionnaire on annual 'Ideal Family' contest constituted by Her Highness, Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union (GWU), will be available in local magazines.The GWU has set May 31 as the last day for accepting the questionnaire on the 7th round of the competition, which aims to highlight the concepts of family ties and its importance in securing social stability. Held this year under the theme: 'Extended family..integrity and harmony', the contest targets distinguished families.

La la

04-28-2005 11:32 AM

Fatima’s efforts at upgrading education in country lauded
31 March 2005 ABU DHABI — The Parents Council of Abu Dhabi Educational Zone chaired by Brigadier Zayed bin Saqr Al Falahi, have lauded the great efforts exerted by Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE Women’s Federation, in upgrading and supporting education in the country.

Brigadier Al Falahi was speaking during a function held at the Abdul Jaleel Al Fuhaim School, to honour Shaikha Fatima and students who won the Abu Dhabi Educational Zone’s ‘Parents Council Award’, on behalf of Brigadier Zayed bin Saqr Al Falahi. “Shaikha Fatima in every sense deserves the title “Mother of the Emirates” for her great concern for the development of national women in all walks of life,” Al Falahi said.

Sidiq Al Khaja, member of the Council, said that Shaikha Fatima was “a pioneer of social and educational development of UAE women”, adding that her efforts went along the same lines of late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, builder of the nation. Ali Abdulla Al Naqabi, Director of Al Fuhaim School, remarked that educators should prepare a generation of educated young people who have an understanding of national issues and the ability to bear responsibility for their faith and country.

desertrosemrk

04-29-2005 04:13 PM

Bouteflika confers highest Algerian Order on Sheikha Farima
Apr 29, 2005.
Bouteflika confers highest Algerian Order on Sheikha Farima Abu Dhabi, 29 April 2005(WAM)--Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has conferred +Al Atheer Order+, the highest Algerian Order upon Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in recognition of her enormous contribution to the progress and empowerment of UAE and Arab women.

The bestowal of this honour on Sheikha Fatima coincided with the award of a honourary doctorate by the Algerian University on Sheikha Fatima.
Both the Atheer Order and the honourary doctorate were received on behalf of Sheikha Fatima by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture.

In remarks on this occasion, Sheikha Fatima expressed her delight over this great recognition, saying that it was demonstration of the historical and brotherly relations between the peoples of the UAE and Algeria. It underscores the originality of Arab values upheld by the Algerian society , said Sheikha Fatima.

She dedicated the accolade and doctoral degree to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed, saying that it was Zayed's vision that impelled her successful involvement in social and humanitarian issues. Sheikha Fatima expressed her well-wishes to Algeria and paid tribute to the wise leadership of President Bouteflika which, she said, made it possible for the country to promote national reconciliation and regain its position as a leading nation in the Arab world. She also saluted the people of Algeria, particularly women for their heroism and patriotism which brought about impressive progress to the country.

+The Algerian women have gone a long way in achieving remarkable successes in various fields. These successes are undoubtedly a source of pride to all of us in the Arab world. They reflect a positive image about Arab women and prove that Arab women are as involved in the development of their socities as their colleagues in the developed countries.+ said Sheikha Fatima.

She pointed out that the bestowal of the highest Algerian award upon her is a mark of recognition for the enormous contributions made by Arab women in their societies. +Arab women are active players in their societies. This is a fact underpinned by the presence of many women in the parliaments, cabinets and other prominent institutions+ she said. Sheikha Fatima called for closer cooperation between women organisations in Algeria and the UAE. She concluded her remarks by renewing her commitment to noble humanitarian causes worldwide and also promoting cultural dialogue amongst civilizations so a better world is created, a world where different cultures, religions and races live in harmony and tolerance.

anastasija

05-01-2005 08:53 AM

Is Sheikha Fatima still the first lady of the UAE?I never heared about the wife of the current president?:confused:

La la

05-01-2005 09:13 AM

In print she is not referred to as the First Lady anymore but privately I think that's what a lot of people still call her. She earned that title through hard work and dedication so it can't be supplanted by anyone else as long as she's alive, unlike in other countries where the First Lady is the wife of President. It's a given. So formally, they skip it to avoid confusion.

Anyhow, I don't even know the name of President Khalifa's wife. :confused:

desertrosemrk

05-01-2005 07:36 PM

Fatima’s generous gesture to elevate women’s status hailed
By a staff reporter 1 May 2005 ABU DHABI — Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of the UAE Women’s Federation, welcomed the initiative of Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, president of the federation, to dedicate Dh50 million of the Al Qudra Holding’s founding shares to national women.“This generous gesture reflects Shaikha Fatima’s concern and call for the elevation of woman’s status and her encouragement for women’s participation in the course of development that the country is witnessing”, she said.

She also praised the campaign that Shaikha Fatima is conducting for the emancipation of the national woman’s status, holding her hand to facilitate her entrance to new domains in which she could benefit her country.Mrs Suwaidi added that this initiative falls within the campaign for development and growth that the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had launched, and which the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed, is currently following.

She clarified that this initiative represents a real reflection of the constant concern that Shaikha Fatima shows for the strengthening of the woman’s role and presence in the economic sphere, and more specifically the improvement of her economic status and the encouragement of her entrance to the business and investment sectors.

Mrs Suwaidi stressed that the ladies’ circles in the country reacted positively to the initiative, which reflected the homogeneity between her efforts and aspirations, and the women’s segment in the UAE.She said that the initiative comes as part of a complete developmental project directed by Shaikha Fatima for the emancipation of the UAE woman, which is revealed through her constant support for women’s business councils and family business projects, and the increase of women’s economic awareness.

Mrs Suwaidi stated that the Mother of the Nation Shaikha Fatima’s stress on the importance of including women in such leading projects is considered a notable step that reflects the great progress that the national woman’s path has witnessed due to her support.She praised the role that the Al Qudra Holding Board has played in ensuring a quick and efficient implementation of Shaikha Fatima’s initiative, and the cooperation that ensued in order to facilitate the subscription process to participating national women. Mrs Suwaidi revealed that the women’s federation is currently in the process of preparing programmes and workshops that aim at raising women’s awareness about the importance of their economic role, and about the procedure for undertaking an investment activity, in addition to laying down the definition and horizons of investing in the shares market and the management of companies, and the details of the participation in pushing the economic wheel of the country.

This, she explained, has come as a reaction by the federation to the initiative, and to the economic growth and activity that the UAE witnesses, in addition to the importance of improving the women’s economic role, especially with regards to shares. Mrs Suwaidi expressed her gratitude and appreciation, and that of UAE women at large, for Shaikha Fatima’s continuous support to the national woman cause.

Al Qudra Holding’s starting capital was set at Dh500 million, and the subscription was limited to those invited, who subscribed during the founding meeting that was held in March 2005 in Abu Dhabi, and was steered by the company’s founding committee.

desertrosemrk

05-03-2005 02:57 PM

Shaikha Fatima commended for her efforts
May 3, 2005 (WAM) -- The wife of Turkey's Army Chief of Staff has commended UAE women for their achievements in the areas of culture, work, science and technology. She attributed those achievements to the wise guidance of the leader of the UAE women's development, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

Ozik Ozkok made the statement when she and her entourage visited here today the premises of the UAE General Women's Union, GWU, were received by the GWU Director, Noura Al Suwaidi.

During the visit, Ozkok toured the various sections of the GWU premises to acquaint herself with the activities there. She expressed great appreciation for the UAE's heritage on show at the permanent exhibition centre.Al Suwaidi presented to the guest a collection of books on the GWU and its achievements over the past three decades.

desertrosemrk

05-06-2005 11:07 PM

Shaikha Fatima given Taryam Omran awardBy a staff reporter 6 May 2005SHARJAH — The Taryam Omran Foundation For Cultural and Humanitarian Work presented the Award for Cultural and Humanitarian Achievement to Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE Women's Federation and wife of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for her role in supporting women's issues both locally and internationally.

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member fo the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, presented the award to Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Information and Culture, who received it on behalf of Shaikha Fatima, at a ceremony held at the SharjahCulturalPalace on Wednesday. Also present at the awards ceremony were Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education, and Dr Abdullah Omran, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Taryam Omran Foundation for Cultural and Humanitarian Work, besides senior officials and journalists.

During a visit made today to the Abu Dhabi Women's Development Centre, Sheikha Fatima called on women to intensify activities and double efforts to upgrade their social, educational and cultural levels and to work for preserving traditions, stemmed from the tolerant teachings of Islam.

The ceremony started with reciting from the holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.

In the speech delivered on her behalf by Sana'a Darwish Al Kutbi, Secretary General of the UAE Red Crescent Society, Sheikha Fatima said: "the day which we have been looking forward to see has come. Though year after year, we celebrate graduation of new batches of female students, but this particular day fills me with pleasure, hope for a better tomorrow and confidence of our ability to keep abreast with modern technology in this era of globalisation." Sheikha Fatima praised the university "which was born giant and in no time, was able to find a prominent stature among the country's top higher education institutions.

Thanks to Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the university has witnessed a remarkable progress." "The graduates," Sheikha Fatima continued, "should be proud that they are product of an institution that is named after the most precious of men, Zayed the father who devoted his life to champion noble human values and to bring about prosperity to his people. He realized the importance of education in the development, progress and building. Sheikh Zayed also cared for woman and campaigned for her education . He believed that education was UAE woman's gateway to present herself as a model of progress and creativity in all fields." "Nothing pleases me more than seeing UAE girls reaching the top and getting degrees with distinction. I would like to congratulate my daughters and whisper to them that degree is not end of the road, it is the beginning. Let this country be proud of its daughters who are capable of shouldering responsibilities. Long live UAE under and its wise leadership and wishing all the best to the graduates." Sheikh Nahyan delivered a speech via tele-conference video media in which he welcomed Sheikha Fatima.

"We are honoured as this event is graced by the attendance of Her highness, the mother Sheikha Fatima. We would also like to express gratitude for her keen interest and support to Zayed University and her continuous encouragement to the student. Sheikha Fatima is a role model to be followed in leadership and achievements." "Zayed University," Sheikh Nahyan added, "will always be proud of being named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who dedicated himself to build the nation. This university is a product of his vision." "I would also like to express gratitude to President his Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unlimited support and continuous support, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs." "I am pleased to announce graduation of the 3rd batch which include 353 students who successfully completed their education and earned their degrees. congratulations to them all," he announced.

A speech was delivered by Shamma Saqr Ghobash on behalf of the graduates, the text of which follows: Your Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Parents, My fellow graduates, I have the pleasure and honour to begin by welcoming her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to our graduation ceremony today, and to express our happiness that she is present on this occasion.

I convey to her my warmest congratulation on her designation as the 'Mother of the Emirates', a title that she has, most deservedly, earned, because of what she has achieved for the country and people of the Emirates, through her great contributions that have alleviated the aspects of backwardness that represented the most difficult aspects of our past.

She has always been eager always to preserve the essential spirit of our culture, and has served as an ideal guardian of our striving for progress. She is, indeed, the 'Mother of the Emirates', in the fullest sense of the term. No simple words, images or sounds can fully express our appreciation of, and love for, her.This beautiful day is for us, today's graduates, one that is unlike any other we have ever seen. It is one which we have longed to reach, during the years in which we have turned page after page of books, and have scrolled through our computers, determined to reach our goal.

Today is our graduation day, the day on which we emerge into the practicalities of life, prepared to take up our tasks in the development of the country.I offer my congratulations to my dear colleagues and fellow graduates. I am confident that what I shall say is something in which they also all believe, This is just a beginning for us. It is now incumbent upon us to work with all of our powers so that we can meet the requirements and needs of the life that lies ahead of us, serving our community through the jobs that we will now take up, as well as performing our duties and responsibilities as future mothers.

We offer our thanks to our parents, who have eagerly and tirelessly awaited this day, upon which they can see the fruits of that which they planted so many years ago. We also express our thanks to our teachers, for their dedicated efforts. We have learned much from them. Let me also extend our thanks, as graduates, to His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chancellor of Zayed University and Minister of Education. We appreciate highly his efforts and admire greatly his sincerity, devotion and hard work that he so evidently displays in carrying out his enormous responsibilities as Chancellor of the universities and higher colleges and as Minister.

Finally, I have a few words to address to our late and great father who has now left us, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We learned from you dignity, a love of work and our loyalty to this country. Your guidance and your frequent calls to us to preserve our noble values and morals have taught us how to make progress. We hope that Almighty God will give your soul rest in peace, and thank Him for giving you to us as our teacher and leader.

The torch that you have lit and have bequeathed to us is now being carried onwards by faithful men and women who have drunk of the wisdom from your spring, and continue on the path of progress that you laid down. We know our destination - how could we not do so, when Khalifa bin Zayed is now our leader and model? May God grant you his mercy, Oh Zayed. May Almighty God also preserve our leader, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his brothers, and may He protect the United Arab Emirates and its people so that they may, together, continue on the road for yet more progress and prosperity.

desertrosemrk

05-10-2005 11:11 PM

Fatima calls for interaction with other world cultures

May 10, 2005. (WAM) -- Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak has said that the UAE's deep commitment to culture and its positive interaction with other cultures of the world stems from the country's deep belief in its permanent cultural and social identity which are based on the deeply rooted values instilled in its people by "our great teacher and leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan." Shaikha Fatima made the statement in an address read on her behalf by Ali Salim Al Ka'abi, Director of the Office of the Minister of Presidential Affairs, during the opening of the 1st Cultural Conference on Manpower, organised by the Abu Dhabi Women's Organisation. Shaikha Fatima reiterated the commitment of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to make the country be abreast with modernity while holding fast to tradition. "These traditional values, to us, are very important in dealing with negative influences of the cultural globalisation that is sweeping our planet today," she said.

She said these wise policies of the late Sheikh Zayed is being vigorously pursued and sustained by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the aim of building generations after generations of national manpower. "This has put on us a big burden of spreading the culture of sense of belonging and loyalty among this generation in order to efficiently discharge its duties of moving the country forward," Shaika Fatima said, adding "We look forward with all hope and confidence to the positive recommendations that would strengthen the fabric of the strong and well-knit UAE society to boost the role of the national manpower." Shaikha Fatima pledged full sport for the conference and its outcome.

Activities of the two-day conference began at the Armed Forces Officers' Club here in Abu Dhabi with the attendance of a number of dignitaries. A number of manpower experts are taking part ion the conference. Specialised courses are being held on the sideline of the conference.

Meanwhile, women from the Hiyar district of Al Ain have presented a plaque to Shaikha Fatima in appreciation of her leading role in the service of women and children cause. Director of the UAE General Women's Union, Noura Al Suwaidi, received the plaque for Shaikha Fatima.

desertrosemrk

05-12-2005 09:44 PM

Healthcare on par with the best, says Shaikha FatimaBy a staff reporter 12 May 2005ABU DHABI — Most of the infectious diseases like malaria, measles and poliomyelitis that were once prevalent in the UAE have been eradicated while pre-natal and post-natal care is now on par with the world’s most developed countries, Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE Women's Federation, said yesterday.

"Healthcare services in the country have made substantial progress since the inception of the emirates in 1971,” she said in her speech at a ceremony organised to award her the 'Certificate of Recognition' from Jhpiego, an affiliate of John Hopkins University, USA.

"The life expectancy of women in the country has reached levels similar to those in Europe and North America. Infant mortality and maternal mortality rates have dropped remarkably,” she said. Shaikha Fatima attributed the achievements in the field of healthcare to the efforts by people in the field, who "invested heavily in healthcare not just in terms of establishing facilities like hospitals and clinics, but also in terms of expertise and education".

“I am honoured to receive this certificate of recognition from Jhpiego. I am pleased to accept the certificate on behalf of the country and in memory of late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who provided the inspiration, vision and determination that made the UAE what it is today," Shaikha Fatima said in the speech read out on her behalf by Ali bin Salim Al Kaabi, Director of the Presidential Affairs Office.

Addressing the gathering, Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Minister of Health, praised Shaikha Fatima for supporting health services in the country.“The continuous support and assistance of Shaikh Fatima has greatly contributed in developing health services, whereby the mortality among infants has dropped to less than 8:1000 and 10:1000 in children below five years, while mortality among mothers declined to less than 1:100,000,” said the minister.

He lauded Shaikha Fatima for encouraging national women to take up medical professions, noting that her initiative to set up a higher council for childhood would guarantee healthy and creative environment for children.

Jhpiego is an international health organisation affiliated to the JohnHopkinsUniversity which strives for improving the quality of health services for women and children around the globe.The ceremony hosted by the Women’s Federation was attended by ministers, ambassadors and other dignitaries.